Egyptian Paintings

Concept

Paintings that decorated the walls of the tombs in Egypt were intended to keep alive the history. The pictures and models found in Egyptian tombs were connected with the idea of
providing the soul with helpmates in the other world. These wall-paintings provide in extraordinarily vivid picture of life as it was lived in Egypt thousands of years ago. And yet, looking at
the art for the first time, may find rather look strange. What mattered most was not prettiness but completeness. It was the artists' task to
preserve everything as clearly and permanently as possible. So they did not set out
to sketch nature as it appeared to them from any fortuitous angle. They drew from
memory, according to strict rules which ensured that everything that had to go into
the picture would stand out in perfect clarity.

Comparison Between Egyptian and Renainssance Paintings

Criteria

Egyptian Paintings

Renaissance Paintings 16th century

Images

Techniques

Frontalism - strict rules- The image was frequently identified by inscription, resemblance with the depicted was not necessary, infirmities and old age are rarely shown. Most images are glowing examples of prosperity, youth, and good health.
- The head of the character was always drawn in profile, while the body is seen from the front.
- Although the face is to the side, the eye is drawn in full.
- The legs are turned to the same side as the head, with one foot placed in front of the other.
- The head is at right angles to the body.
- Every figure in paintings, stands or sits with a formal, stiff,
and rigid posture. The stance of the body is severe, but the faces are calm and serene.
- Slaves and animals were painted more natural and relaxed, and with a smaller scale in drawings
to show their limited importance.
- There was little attempt at plastic or spatial illusionism - no attempt at linear perspective.
- artists made colors from raw materials around them and therefore worked in a limited number of shades.
- Color was applied in flat tones - strict rules often applied to the use of a particular color for particular purpose. For example, men's skin was colored red
while women's was yellow.

- The use of perspective
- Realistic presentation of art
- Resemblance with the depicted characters was necessary,
- Treatment of light - shades and shadows
- Extensive color palette and tones
- Show of emotional gestures and expressions